Protecting Yourself from Real Estate and Mortgage Scams
Real estate and mortgage scams are on the rise, with fraudsters constantly devising new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. In 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received reports from 11,578 victims regarding incidents of real estate or rental fraud. To avoid becoming a victim, here are five common real…
The Real Cost of Living: Unpacking New York City’s Rental Price Surge
New York City’s rental market is notoriously competitive, characterized by high prices and additional fees that can make finding an apartment a daunting task. As renters navigate this landscape, they face a series of challenges unique to NYC’s boroughs and its largest cities, including Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse. This article explores these hurdles, providing…
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for NYC’s Housing Lottery
Applications are now open for a housing lottery offering 75 rent-stabilized apartments in a newly completed building in Downtown Brooklyn. These apartments are available to households earning between $31,372 and $218,010 annually, depending on the number of people in the household. Monthly rents start as low as $750 for a studio apartment. The deadline to…
A Simple Guide to Freezing Rent for Seniors in New York
Rents in New York have started rising again, and a lot of older people are feeling the pressure. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, which means their money doesn’t go up even when rent does. What makes things worse is that many of them don’t realize the city already has a program that can stop…
Why Millions Want to Live in New York Despite the Crowds and Cost
New York City is one of the few places where people willingly pay high rent, deal with small apartments, and put up with constant noise — and somehow still feel lucky to be there. Other cities might offer more space or cheaper homes, but New York has something people don’t want to miss out on….
Why Even Six-Figure Earners Struggle to Pay Rent in New York City
Since the pandemic, rents in New York City have gone up sharply, especially in the wealthiest and most popular neighborhoods. In some areas, rents are up around 50 to 60 percent compared to just a few years ago. The sharpest jumps are in places like Greenpoint, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Dumbo, and Long Island City. What…
How New York’s Growing Population Impacts Rent Prices
New York City is the largest city in the United States, with over 8.5 million people living across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. On top of that, millions more come in every day for work or school from surrounding areas. The city has always been a magnet for newcomers, whether they are…
Why Renting Is Beating Buying in Westchester, New York
In the past several years, Westchester County has seen a boom in new apartment buildings. Cities like Yonkers, White Plains, and New Rochelle are leading the way. Yonkers approved thousands of new units in a single year, and New Rochelle wasn’t far behind. These projects aren’t just small developments—many are large complexes with hundreds of…
Rising Prices in New York: An Insight into the Real Estate Market
Rising prices are everywhere. Real estate has always been a barometer of economic vitality and financial health. At its heart is New York, a bustling hub of activity known for its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and, notably, its spiraling property costs. Recently, the city’s real estate market has witnessed a dramatic escalation in home buying…
NYC’s Housing Crisis Deepens: Evictions Spike as Renters’ Economic Struggles Continue
New York City renters are facing increasing pressures, highlighted by a striking near-200% surge in evictions. Two recent studies reveal that while landlords are managing well, their tenants are struggling significantly. Decrease in Wages and Increase in Payment Delays According to a study by the Rent Guidelines Board, there has been a notable 6.1% drop…
High Mortgage Rates Push Average Buyers Out of New York City
In recent times, the real estate market has observed a notable shift, particularly in Manhattan, where an unprecedented surge in cash transactions for home purchases has been recorded. This trend, accentuated by mortgage rates hovering around the 6 percent mark, showcases a significant barrier for prospective buyers without substantial financial backing. The last quarter of…
City Takes Over Bronx Building After Years of Landlord Neglect
For years, people living in the building at 2201-2205 Davidson Avenue in the Bronx have had to deal with broken elevators, leaking pipes, mold, rats, and even roaches. Some had to spend their own money to fix serious problems like holes in the walls or missing hot water. The building had more than 600 open…